AGENDA

• 8:15 AM

  Registration opens

• 9:00 AM

  Opening remarks from the Chairperson

  

  Lee-Ann du Toit

  Partner, National Insurance Lead
  Deloitte

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  Lee-Ann du Toit

  Partner, National Insurance Lead
  Deloitte

  Lee-Ann is a Partner at Deloitte, based in Wellington and became a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (London) in 2002. She has more than twenty three years of diversified experience in the financial services industry mainly in South Africa and New Zealand. Lee-Ann has served on numerous executive committees and boards, recognized for innovation, leading change, starting new businesses and is a Harvard Business School Alumni (Boston, US).

  Prior to joining Deloitte in 2018, she was a C-suite executive in a large Insurer in South Africa, including roles like Chief Digital Officer, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer. Lee-Ann has a passion to unlock value for the consumer in the insurance industry through a collaborated, integrated and simplified way.

• 9:10 AM

  OPENING KEYNOTE: Women leading the way – inclusive decision-making 

  Join Gillian as she discusses how the willingness to be inclusive in your decision-making practices can transform you into a more effective leader. She will share her wins, challenges, and transformative decisions that helped her become the CEO, alongside a predominantly female leadership team. In this session, you will learn how to develop the framework to increase women in leadership – and how to empower others to do the same.  

  

  Gillian Vaughan

  Chief Executive
  Pinnacle Life

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  Gillian Vaughan

  Chief Executive
  Pinnacle Life

  Gillian was appointed Chief Executive of Pinnacle Life in April 2018. Gillian has more than 20 years experience in the life insurance industry, having joined Pinnacle in 1999. She has worked in all areas of the business including strategy, technology, risk, customer sales and service, with her previous role being General Manager Operations. In 2020 she successfully ran the sale process of the business, creating value for departing shareholders and embedding Pinnacle in its new group structure. She has a strong focus on her team, which allows the organisation to do its best for its customers.  In addition to her role at Pinnacle Life, in 2020 Gillian was recognised for her services to Wildlife Conservation with a Queens Service Medal. 

• 9:50 AM

  Speed networking

  Expand your network, make connections and meet fellow delegates in a structured networking session.

• 10:10 AM

  Morning tea and refreshment break

• 10:40 AM

  PANEL: The future of the insurance sector

  From regulatory burdens to climate change, insurance companies are anticipating multiple obstacles as they navigate the post-pandemic recovery. In this session, hear from key industry leaders on some of the most pressing trends that are currently shaping the insurance market – and what you need to know to remain an informed and effective leader today.  

  • What are the upcoming legislative challenges, and how can you prepare?   
  • What is the current market and risk appetite in both new and existing businesses? 
  • Addressing emerging trends in natural disasters and climate risk 
  • What’s next: anticipating industry changes in 2023 and beyond

  Moderator

  

  Lee-Ann du Toit

  Partner, National Insurance Lead
  Deloitte

  ×

  

  Lee-Ann du Toit

  Partner, National Insurance Lead
  Deloitte

  Lee-Ann is a Partner at Deloitte, based in Wellington and became a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (London) in 2002. She has more than twenty three years of diversified experience in the financial services industry mainly in South Africa and New Zealand. Lee-Ann has served on numerous executive committees and boards, recognized for innovation, leading change, starting new businesses and is a Harvard Business School Alumni (Boston, US).

  Prior to joining Deloitte in 2018, she was a C-suite executive in a large Insurer in South Africa, including roles like Chief Digital Officer, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer. Lee-Ann has a passion to unlock value for the consumer in the insurance industry through a collaborated, integrated and simplified way.

  Panellists

  

  Bronwyn Kirwan

  Chief Sales and Service Officer
  Fidelity Life

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  Bronwyn Kirwan

  Chief Sales and Service Officer
  Fidelity Life

  Bronwyn Kirwan joined Fidelity Life in August 2021 in the newly created Executive role of Chief Sales and Service Officer.

  Drawing on her deep insurance experience and technology credentials, Bronwyn’s focus is on ensuring Fidelity Life continues to deliver exceptional experiences to advisers, partners and customers.

  Since her beginnings as a financial adviser, Bronwyn has enjoyed a stellar insurance career, including distribution and market strategy roles with Zurich International in the UK and Europe, and as CEO of financial adviser network SHARE in New Zealand.

  Immediately prior to Fidelity Life, Bronwyn spent ten years with Swiss Re, initially heading up their new propositions team from London and more recently was leading iptiQ, Swiss Re’s disruptive digital insurer, based in Sydney.

  Bronwyn has a Bachelor of Business and holds the prestigious GACID designation (Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors).

   

  

  Sarah-Jane Wild

  Head of SME Proposition NZ
  Tower Insurance

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  Sarah-Jane Wild

  Head of SME Proposition NZ
  Tower Insurance

  Sarah-Jane (SJ) Wild is Head of SME Proposition NZ at Tower Insurance.  With 25 years of industry experience, she has held a diverse number of roles that have provided her with a broad and deep understanding of insurance, across New Zealand and the Pacific.  One of the Elite Woman of 2022, SJ was recognised for her professional track record and participation in the diversity, equity, and inclusion movement. 

  

  Luanna Philippe

  NZ Claims Manager
  Chubb

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  Luanna Philippe

  NZ Claims Manager
  Chubb

  A member of the Chubb Insurance NZ executive leadership team and Head of Claims for the NZ Business, Luanna has spent over 20 years in the insurance industry, working and leading various roles and functions.  In 2014 she moved to Australia, working in the compliance team of a major bank following the Royal Commission enquiry, which she says prepared her well for the changing regulatory environment that the NZ Insurance industry now faces.

  She has been the NZ Claims Manager at Chubb since 2019, which she loves because of its great culture, talented people and endless opportunities to learn and grow.

• 11:40 AM

  Who is driving our future?

  Did you know there are more CEOs named John in Aotearoa than female CEOs? Women are not the niche, they are the market. Yet the facts suggest otherwise. Get ready to hold on to your seat as Megan Warner discusses how organisations and individuals can change the story – and, once and for all, be in the driving seat of our industry’s future.

  

  Megan Warner

  Commercial Leader, New Zealand
  Marsh Limited

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  Megan Warner

  Commercial Leader, New Zealand
  Marsh Limited

  As Head of Commercial for Marsh New Zealand, Megan Warner leads one of the largest business segments in the NZ insurance and risk business, looking after clients from personal lines through to large commercial businesses.

  With more than 20 years’ under her belt, she’s developed a deep understanding of the insurance industry, and clients, working across a variety of underwriting, claims and broking roles.

  Megan is passionate about inspiring her team and Marsh colleagues to develop and grow both personally and professionally.

  Megan is an inspiring leader who leads by example – driving change in the workplace, and championing the volunteering efforts of her colleagues to make a real difference to the communities around us. She is passionate about equality and diversity in the insurance industry for underrepresented groups.

• 12:10 PM

  Networking lunch

• 1:10 PM

  PANEL: Getting ahead – accelerating career and skill development

  The industry is rapidly changing, and leaders need to be at the forefront to deliver business objectives. How can you ensure you are on top of your game through self-driven learning and development? This session will discuss strategies to develop capabilities and skill sets for career advancement. 

  • What are the top emerging leadership skills, and how can we develop them? 
  • How can managers and organisations encourage and prioritise learning and development? 
  • Overcoming common challenges such as time management, multiple responsibilities and burnout

  Moderator

  

  Lee-Ann du Toit

  Partner, National Insurance Lead
  Deloitte

  ×

  

  Lee-Ann du Toit

  Partner, National Insurance Lead
  Deloitte

  Lee-Ann is a Partner at Deloitte, based in Wellington and became a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (London) in 2002. She has more than twenty three years of diversified experience in the financial services industry mainly in South Africa and New Zealand. Lee-Ann has served on numerous executive committees and boards, recognized for innovation, leading change, starting new businesses and is a Harvard Business School Alumni (Boston, US).

  Prior to joining Deloitte in 2018, she was a C-suite executive in a large Insurer in South Africa, including roles like Chief Digital Officer, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer. Lee-Ann has a passion to unlock value for the consumer in the insurance industry through a collaborated, integrated and simplified way.

  Panellists

  

  Dasha Goryacheva

  People and Operations Manager
  Delta Insurance

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  Dasha Goryacheva

  People and Operations Manager
  Delta Insurance

  Dasha is a highly experienced and well-rounded professional, with a diverse career spanning a variety of industries. She graduated from Auckland University with a degree in Commerce and has since pursued opportunities in both developed and start-up environments, including time spent in Asia. With a hands-on attitude and a wide skills’ set across project management, people experience and process efficiency she has a proven track record of delivering results. Dasha’s passion lies in creating environments where people thrive, and she currently heads the People function for Delta Group. In this role, she works closely with leaders and teams to deliver the best possible people experience across the group. 

  

  Jo McCauley

  Chief Executive Officer
  Southern Cross Travel Insurance

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  Jo McCauley

  Chief Executive Officer
  Southern Cross Travel Insurance

  Jo McCauley was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) in 2020 after three years in the business as Chief Customer Officer.

  With a career spanning over 20+ years in financial services in New Zealand and the UK, Jo brings to Southern Cross a diverse range of skills including strategic leadership and product marketing.

  Jo is the first female CEO within the Southern Cross insurance businesses and is passionate about improving diversity and inclusion at SCTI and also across the broader insurance industry.

  Jo has worked hard to drive even further diversity and inclusion within the workplace and is also a leading voice within the broader Southern Cross group championing diversity of thought at the most senior levels.

  Jo is a mum of four boys, six fur babies and is also a trustee of Greyhounds as Pets, a charity committed to rehoming ex-racing greyhounds across New Zealand.

  

  Lianne Waru

  New Zealand Manager
  NM Insurance

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  Lianne Waru

  New Zealand Manager
  NM Insurance

  Lianne is the dynamic and passionate leader of NM Insurance’s New Zealand operations. With an insurance career spanning 20 years, Lianne has a strong background in underwriting, claims and corporate insurance account management. Specialising in marine insurance for nearly a decade, Lianne’s previous experience spans a broad range of insurance categories. Since joining NM Insurance in 2017, Lianne has been vital in leading her team to grow and develop our New Zealand operations. “I am really privileged to be a part of the success and growth of NM Insurance,” says Lianne. “We offer customers the security and support of trans-Tasman scale with the engaged connection to a local New Zealand footprint.” Lianne sits on the NZ Insurance Council Marine Committee panel and is an Associate of the ANZIIF.

  

  Stephanie Wyatt

  Senior Commercial Insurance Broker
  Cactus Insurance

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  Stephanie Wyatt

  Senior Commercial Insurance Broker
  Cactus Insurance

  Steph started out in the insurance industry as a receptionist at a Mortgage, Life & Health firm 9 years ago and became part of an industry she had very little knowledge about at the time. It wasn’t long before her passion for the industry grew as she rapidly upskilled and progressed up the ladder.

  Throughout her journey to date, she has been recognised and awarded as a winner of the 2019 Woman in Insurance Rising Star – Broker of the Year, recognised as a 2020 Insurance Young Gun, 2022 Insurance Business NZ Rising Star and 2022 Insurance Business NZ Elite Woman within the industry.

• 2:10 PM

  Dealing with mental wellbeing at an executive level

  With competing priorities and stressful working environments, many managers and executives are experiencing various levels of burnout. How can we prioritise wellbeing and create a culture of empathy and support at work? Hear how Kresh has learned to lead by example with self-care, and make mental wellbeing a priority in her daily practice. 

  

  Kresh Wright

  Head of Life & Health, New Zealand
  Swiss Re

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  Kresh Wright

  Head of Life & Health, New Zealand
  Swiss Re

  In her role as Head of Life and Health New Zealand, Kresh leads a multi-functional team to deliver reinsurance solutions to Swiss Re’s insurance clients.

  Over the past 15 years at Swiss Re, Kresh has built up experience in client management, pricing, reserving and risk management across Swiss Re’s Life and Health business in three of Swiss Re’s global markets – the UK, Japan and Australia.

  “I am passionate about working with the life industries in Australia and NZ to find ways to deliver insurance solutions to under-served and vulnerable communities in a sustainable way. Together with our insurance clients, we aim to help build the resilience of Australians and New Zealanders.

• 2:50 PM

  Afternoon tea and refreshment break

• 3:20 PM

  WORKSHOP: Addressing the gender pay gap in the workplace

  The gender pay gap exists at all levels in the insurance profession. What steps can we take to increase the likelihood of more successful outcomes? How can we improve the industry’s performance as a whole? This session will discuss strategies to close the gender pay gap in the workplace on both a personal and organisational-level.

  • How to prepare for the conversation to get the outcome you want
  • Understanding your compensation expectations, incentives, and career progression
  • How to promote transparency and advocate change in your company’s remuneration process

  

  Helen Fitness

  Founder
  Quiet Rebel Consulting

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  Helen Fitness

  Founder
  Quiet Rebel Consulting

  Helen Fitness is the founder of her own professional services firm, Quiet Rebel Consulting, primarily serving professional women of the global insurance industry. Her own insurance career stretches over more than 20 years in technical underwriting and underwriting management, locally and in Australia, Europe and UK in complex multinational environments. She is passionate about equity and healthy workplaces, helping women reach their career goals with confidence and life balance, and organisations to create more inclusive spaces where everyone can flourish.

• 4:05 PM

  PANEL: Leading a high-performing team

  Building and sustaining an engaged and motivated team can be challenging in today’s uncertain climate and changing work environment. How can leaders develop a strong organisational culture to ensure their teams remain connected and productive? In this session, industry leaders will discuss how to create a collaborative and inclusive culture, from building the business to maintaining it through connectivity and mentoring.  

  • What do culture, recognition, development and performance look like in a hybrid workforce?  
  • How does a flexible work policy affect team retention and recruitment? 
  • Managing and engaging a multigenerational workforce  

  Moderator

  

  Lee-Ann du Toit

  Partner, National Insurance Lead
  Deloitte

  ×

  

  Lee-Ann du Toit

  Partner, National Insurance Lead
  Deloitte

  Lee-Ann is a Partner at Deloitte, based in Wellington and became a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (London) in 2002. She has more than twenty three years of diversified experience in the financial services industry mainly in South Africa and New Zealand. Lee-Ann has served on numerous executive committees and boards, recognized for innovation, leading change, starting new businesses and is a Harvard Business School Alumni (Boston, US).

  Prior to joining Deloitte in 2018, she was a C-suite executive in a large Insurer in South Africa, including roles like Chief Digital Officer, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer. Lee-Ann has a passion to unlock value for the consumer in the insurance industry through a collaborated, integrated and simplified way.

  Panellists

  

  Tanya Clews

  Head of Claims Partnerships and Services
  Ando Insurance

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  Tanya Clews

  Head of Claims Partnerships and Services
  Ando Insurance

  Tanya is an experienced senior leader and currently heads up the Claims Partnerships and Services Team for Ando Insurance.

  Having worked across a variety of leadership roles in New Zealand and the UK, Tanya has always enjoyed being a part of exceptional teams.

  Tanya looks to bring a human centred approach to every aspect of leadership and loves the challenge of trying to look at things in a different way.

  

  Beckie McCleland

  Chief Risk Officer
  Partners Life

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  Beckie McCleland

  Chief Risk Officer
  Partners Life

  Beckie is the Chief Risk Officer at Partners Life. She has over 20 years’ experience in financial services with a broad-based work experience, including senior and leadership roles across Line 1 and 2 risk and compliance, governance, in-house and consulting. Beckie’s experience lies in understanding and implementing regulatory change, designing and enhancing risk management and compliance assurance frameworks, and working with businesses and Boards to formulate and articulate risk strategy and risk governance.

  

  Rachael Macdonald

  Chief Life Insurance Officer
  MAS – Medical Assurance Society

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  Rachael Macdonald

  Chief Life Insurance Officer
  MAS – Medical Assurance Society

• 5:00 PM

  Event concludes